Introduction to Collecting and Compiling Data

G/T Research Program

Data Collection Methods

Surveys◦ Questionnaires◦ Interviews

Observation (recorded in data collection notebook)

Experiments (recorded in data collection notebook)

Analysis of Previously Recorded Data/Documents/Studies (recorded in data collection notebook)

Data collection contributes to the “original research” piece of your final paper and product.

Language Distinction

SURVEY

QUESTIONNAIRE

Includes sample design, data collection, instrument, and analysis

One type of survey instrument

METHOD

TOOL

Survey Methods: Questionnaires

“Questionnaires are a way to gather information from a large number of respondents…Often they are the only feasible way to reach a number of reviewers large enough to allow statistical analysis of the results.”

http://www.cc.gatech.edu/classes/cs6751_97_winter/Topics/quest-design/

Questionnaire Policies

All surveys must be approved by me and the principal (If conducted at another school, you must obtain that principal’s permission as well.)

Common Problems…◦Not abiding by school system

protocols pertaining to surveys: Not during instructional time Not about personal behaviors pertaining

to drugs, sex, etc. Protecting anonymity of students

Survey Methods: Interviews

“Interviews are best used when you want to learn detailed information from a few specific people. Interviews are also particularly useful if you want to interview experts about their opinions.”http://wac.colostate.edu/books/writingspaces2/driscoll--introduction-to-primary-research.pdf

Data Collection Notebook In addition to questionnaires and

interviews, there are other ways to collect original research. You can keep a log of observations in a “Data Collection” notebook.

Data collection entries should…be dated and include observations and/or record

experiments and results. See “requirements” on assignment

sheet for further details.

ObservationsFrequency – counting of individuals, actions, events, or objects

Descriptive- open-ended, detailed notes on sights, sounds, and activities

Document Analysis

Observe and analyze print and non-print primary sources (i.e. photos, government documents, diaries, business records, art, clothing, household objects)

Provide objective description of document or artifact

Consider timeliness, completeness, bias

Existing Data/Study Analysis

If choosing this method, you will evaluate at least FOUR peer reviewed research studies that focus on your topic. You

will…Summarize each studyDiscuss how each relates to your research

question.Discuss areas of overlap and differences

b/t them.Discuss the implications of the results

and how the study helps you answer your research question.